Psalms149
English Standard Version
1 the Lord! to the Lord a , his in the of the !
2Let be in his ; let the of in their !
3Let them his with , making to him with and !
4 the Lord in his ; he the with .
5Let the in ; let them their .
6Let the of be in their and in their ,
7to on the and on the ,
8to their with and their with of ,
9to on them the ! This is for his . the Lord!
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 149.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Joy to all the people of God. (1–5). Terror to their enemies. (6–9).
vv1-5
New mercies continually demand new songs of praise, upon earth and in heaven. And the children of Zion have not only to bless the God who made them, but to rejoice in him, as having created them in Christ Jesus unto good works, and formed them saints as well as men. The Lord takes pleasure in his people; they should rejoice in Him. When the Lord has made sinners feel their wants and unworthiness, he will adorn them with the graces of his Spirit, and cause them to bear his image, and rejoice in his happiness for ever. Let his saints employ their waking hours upon their beds in songs of praise. Let them rejoice, even upon the bed of death, assured that they are going to eternal rest and glory.
vv6-9
Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute vengeance according to his word. They did not do it from personal revenge or earthly politics, but in obedience to God's command. And the honour intended for all the saints of God, consists in their triumphs over the enemies of their salvation. Christ never intended his gospel should be spread by fire and sword, or his righteousness by the wrath of man. But let the high praises of God be in our mouths, while we wield the sword of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil. The saints shall be more than conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. The completing of this will be in the judgement of the great day. Then shall the judgement be executed. Behold Jesus, and his gospel church, chiefly in her millennial state. He and his people rejoice in each other; by their prayers and efforts they work with him, while he goes forth in the chariots of salvation, conquering sinners by grace, or in chariots of vengeance, to destroy his enemies.
Key Words
הָלַל: to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify
שִׁיר: to sing
חָדָשׁ: new
שִׁיר: a song; abstractly, singing
תְּהִלָּה: laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
קָהָל: assemblage (usually concretely)
חָסִיד: properly, kind, i.e. (religiously) pious (a saint)
יִשְׂרָאֵל: Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שָׂמַח: probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
עָשָׂה: to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 149The saints sharing in the execution of judgment on the world, as in the great day.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Calvin highlights Isaiah's prophetic phrase 'new song' regarding the restoration of the Church under Christ.
Supported by John Calvin
The physical two-edged sword typifies the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The written judgment of God executing vengeance on the enemies of His people.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Contrasts the inability to sing in Babylon with the new song in restored assemblies.
Supported by John Calvin
Praising God's name in the dance, turning mourning into joy at deliverance.
Supported by JFB
God taking pleasure and accepting those who fear Him and hope in His mercy.
Supported by JFB
Israel rejoicing in God as their Maker, who created and established them as His nation.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The children of Zion being joyful in their ultimate King, the Messiah.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Historical precedent of praising God with timbrels and dancing after great redemptive deliverance.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Christ's final millennial victory and the execution of wrath on the nations.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhortation to sing a new song, celebrating God's sovereignty and marvelous deeds.
Supported by JFB
Subduing and putting feet on the necks of hostile kings under Joshua's command.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The honor of the saints in judging angels and participating in divine administration.
Supported by Matthew Poole